Southern trains dispute talks collapse after RMT proposal is rejected

Talks that aimed to resolve the dispute between Southern and the RMT union have broken down with Southern rejecting the union's proposal to ensure a second conductor on all trains.

Govia Thameslink, the parent company of Southern trains accused the union of "playing the safety card" and vowed to move forward with modernisation after the latest talks at Acas broke down.

Angie Doll, Govia Thameslink Passenger Services Director, said: “The RMT’s position does not help our passengers at all. We have guaranteed to have a second person on as many trains as today, but the union is rigidly refusing our offer to agree a list of exceptional circumstances when we would be able to run our trains without a second staff member on board, such as during disruption to still get people home.

"This would create the crucial flexibility we need to ensure fewer cancelled trains for our passengers."

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: "We had a golden opportunity in these talks to make some serious progress on the core issue of a second person on the train who would have protected the safety of passengers, delivered customer service and ensured access to services for those with disabilities or needing assistance.

"‎It's a bitter blow that a firm set of union proposals that could have allowed us to move forward were rejected out of hand. The matter will be discussed by the union executive this afternoon."

No further talks to resolve the dispute are currently planned. An emergency timetable is still in place on the Southern network, with more than 300 services per day cut from the schedule, due to staff shortages.